Rev. Jonathan Conner, Officiating Congregational Music "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" "Amazing Grace" "How Great Thou Art" Dr. Tom Ulrickson, Accompanist Casketbearers Ray Hagedorn John Hagedorn Bruce Grimm Curt Grimm Mark Asmus Darrin Asmus Honorary Casketbearers The Grimm Grandkids Plaza Dietary Staff Sharon Matte, daughter of Edwin and Elsie (Fonken) Willesen, was born May 31, 1942 at Carroll, Iowa. Sharon grew up in the Gray area. She was baptized on August 23, 1942 and confirmed in 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church near Gray. Sharon attended Gray schools through the tenth grade and then graduated from Audubon High School in 1959. She continued her education at the University of Northern Iowa earning her Bachelor's degree in elementary education. On August 10, 1963 Sharon was united in marriage with Dennis Grimm at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Three sons were born to this union. Sharon taught for several years in Manning, Viola and Irwin and then substitute taught in Audubon. After that she started working at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center in the Plaza dietary department. She retired after more than twenty years. She and Dennis were active members of Trinity Lutheran church, Lincoln Township, near Gray. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, putting together puzzles and caring for her large vegetable and flower gardens. She thoroughly enjoyed being with and cooking with her grandchildren. Sharon was diagnosed with celiac disease in the late 1990s and she and Dennis were charter members of the Celiac Support Group in Des Moines. Later she was diagnosed with cancer and put up a brave fight for a number of years. Her health continued to fail and she died Tuesday evening, March 12, 2013 at the Manning Regional healthcare Center. She was 70 years, 9 months and 8 days. Preceding her in death are her parents and sister Donna in infancy. Sharon is survived by her husband Dennis Grimm; three sons Kevin (Mary) Grimm, Daniel Grimm and Kenneth (Rhonda) Grimm; five grandchildren Nicholas, Kourtney, Kelli, Stephen and Renee Grimm, all of Gray; sister Myra (Amos) Asmus of Carroll; sister in law Frances (Ed) Podber of Eldridge; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Tributes
Sylvia (Vollstedt) & Joe Engel wrote on Mar 14, 2013:
"Joe and I want to extend our deepest sympathy, Denny, to you and your family. We are so sorry for your great loss. Sharon was so caring and dear! When Mom was at the Plaza, she was always thrilled to see Sharon and her beautiful smile! She will be missed! How blessed you are to know that you will see her again! Praise God for His promises and grace! We will keep you all in our prayers as you mourn her passing! In Christian love, Sylvia & Joe"
Joelle (Handlos) Behrens wrote on Mar 14, 2013:
"I was so sad to hear this -- I worked with Sharon @ the hospital when I was in high school/college in the late 80's/early 90's. What a sweet lady she was! I will always remember her kind, peaceful demeanor. My most sincere sympathy to your family -"
Donna Grimm wrote on Mar 14, 2013:
"Whenever Sharon and I would have our short visits, she always displayed charm, a big smile and a warm heart. Everyone who knew her was blessed to have made her acquaintance. a"
joan wittrock wrote on Mar 14, 2013:
"Sharon was a very strong and loving person.she will be missed by many. So sorry for your loss."
gary venteicher wrote on Mar 14, 2013:
"SORRY ABOUT YOUR WIFE. IT IS HARD BUT YOU WILL HAVE A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES."
Stacy Arp wrote on Mar 14, 2013:
"Sharon is going to be missed greatly.. she was an amazing lady that helped me out with my Celiac.. that was one thing we shared in common..I will never forget our last conversation.. she was very heart warming and couraging! You are in my thoughts and prayers"
Dave & Anna Schwarte wrote on Mar 14, 2013:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Hoping that the many happy memories you have help you through your times of sadness.b"
Neil & Amy Elmquist wrote on Mar 13, 2013:
"Sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!"
Carlys Stribe wrote on Mar 13, 2013:
"To Sharon's Family, It is with heartfelt sympathy that we grieve with you all during this time. Sharon as quiet as she was, was a voice of hope for those who knew and loved her. We can celebrate that her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior now has her living with THE ONE who offers eternal life. Thanks be to God."
Jason and Melanie Klein wrote on Mar 13, 2013:
"Our deepest sympathy Kenny and family."
Brian & Karla Ahrendsen wrote on Mar 13, 2013:
"Sorry to hear this. Our sympathy goes out to Grimm family. She was a great wife and mother. Brian, Karla, Megan, Emma, & Grace Ahrendsen"